Guides & Articles
Outside Broadcast Production: The New OB Toolkit - IP KVM, Remote Production & Cloud-Ready Encoding
Outside broadcast production is in the middle of a transformation. Unlike a traditional studio setting, outside broadcasting takes place at remote event locations and is used to cover events like sports, concerts, news, and other live events. OB vans and OB trucks play a critical role in capturing and transmitting high definition video and audio from the event location to a global audience.
To meet these demands, OB crews are adopting a new toolkit of IP- and cloud-enabled technology designed specifically for live production. OB crews must tailor their setup to the specific requirements and specific needs of each event, including the type of event, production goals, and operational conditions. These solutions ensure reliable delivery of video and audio across long distances, support multiple cameras, and empower audio engineers, camera operators, and producers to seamlessly handle different video feeds and audio signals in real time.
Here’s a look at the essentials for OB production, along with a real-world example of how AMV boosted its mobile workflow efficiency with Matrox Extio 3.
1. Low-Latency, Remote-Ready Encoding for Live Events
In live broadcast environments like sports matches, concerts, or news coverage, split second timing matters. Moving pristine video feeds with audio inputs reliably across public or private networks—with minimal delay—is now essential. The ability to support both 3G and 12G SDI ensures hybrid workflows can scale, whether for high-profile sports events with multi camera coverage or leaner mobile production units serving local news.
The Matrox Monarch EDGE encoder/decoder delivers exactly this: secure, ultra-low-latency transmission equipment that allows OB crews to transmit live events around the world without compromising quality. Its contribution-grade performance makes it invaluable for both traditional studio settings and remote locations, supporting television broadcasts and audiences worldwide.
2. Compact, Flexible IP KVM Control
OB environments are tight, high-pressure spaces where power, cabling, and reconfiguration speed matter. Traditional KVM systems often consume too much space and lack the flexibility required for today’s dynamic workflows. IP-based KVM solves these challenges by enabling operators to securely control computing equipment from anywhere, whether inside the truck or from a remote location.
Matrox Extio 3 is trusted for reliable, real-time remote control in mission-critical environments. The new Matrox Avio 2 builds on this foundation with support for ST 2110 and IPMX, helping OB teams prepare for a fully standards-based AV-over-IP future.
Case Study: AMV Boosts Mobile Workflow Efficiency
All Mobile Video (AMV), a leader in mobile production solutions with a fleet of trucks serving live events across New York and beyond, faced challenges with traditional KVM setups. Conventional systems consumed too much power, required extensive cabling, and lacked flexibility, which are critical issues for tight OB environments.
By integrating eight Extio 3 transmitters and eight receivers into its flagship NYLA mobile unit, AMV achieved:
- Space and power savings by eliminating dedicated KVM wiring and leveraging existing IP infrastructure.
- Rapid reconfiguration—operators can be relocated in minutes by simply plugging into the network.
- Flexible access to production computers from any connected location, with full 4:2:2 chroma accuracy.
- Resilient workflows thanks to optional redundant PSUs for remote reboots and a dual-firewalled, 10-Gbps VLAN for secure, high-speed media transfers.
As Paul Butkiewicz, AMV’s Director of Engineering, explained:
“Being able to put devices out into the field while keeping the mainframe in the truck—and having the keyboard and mouse thousands of miles away—makes things much easier for both engineering and operators. No one has to wait; you just plug in and go.”
The result: greater efficiency, improved mobility, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions—a clear demonstration of how IP-based KVM extends OB capabilities without costly infrastructure overhauls.
3. Cloud-Ready Workflows for News Broadcasts Scalability
When scale and budget flexibility matter most, such as covering local or niche events, the cloud offers performance without infrastructure burden. Broadcasters can dynamically spin up production environments, deliver personalized, location-aware content, and minimize on-site requirements.
The Matrox Monarch EDGE encoder/decoder is built for cloud contribution, securely delivering multiple synchronized, broadcast-quality feeds to cloud production platforms. With Monarch EDGE, OB crews gain the agility to expand coverage, scale resources up or down as needed, and tailor streams to diverse audiences without overextending infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
The new OB toolkit is all about flexibility, efficiency, and future-readiness. With Monarch EDGE for remote production, Extio 3 and Avio 2 for IP KVM agility, and cloud workflows for scalable reach, Matrox Video is equipping OB crews to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
And as AMV’s success shows, the transition isn’t just about futureproofing—it’s about tangible operational improvements today.